[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 161 (Friday, October 3, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING TEXAS STATE REPRESENTATIVE PAUL MORENO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 3, 2008

  Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my fellow El 
Pasoan, Texas State Representative Paul Moreno, an institution in El 
Paso and the State of Texas and the longest serving Hispanic elected 
official in the United States.
  After over 4 decades of public service and a distinguished career 
defending and championing the rights of the poor and disenfranchised, 
he has left his mark on American politics.
  Born in 1931, Paul Moreno grew up in the Segundo Barrio of South El 
Paso. After high school, he proudly served 6 years in the United States 
Marine Corps and saw combat in Korea, earning the Presidential Unit 
Citation, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the National Defense 
Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal.
  After his military service, Paul went on to earn his bachelor's 
degree from Texas Western, now the University of Texas at El Paso, and 
he also attended the University of Texas at Austin School of Law.
  Representative Moreno first won election to the Texas House in 1967. 
During his tenure, he has always been a passionate and outspoken 
advocate for the poor, the disabled, and the underdog. He fought on 
behalf of the next generation of Texans and vigorously supported 
improving education, economic opportunities for our youth and health 
care for our children. He has been a staunch advocate on behalf of 
teachers, and for over 40 years has been a champion of working 
families. In short, Paul Moreno has been a voice for the people, and 
many consider him to be the ``Conscience of the Texas House.''
  Representative Moreno has worked with 8 governors and many speakers 
of the House, and currently presides as the dean of the Texas House. 
Even though his voice may no longer echo in the halls of the State 
Capitol in Austin when his term is over at the end of this year, it 
will continue to guide those who strive to live up to the example of 
public service that he has set for us all. He will be missed.

                          ____________________